Alleged phone thief hit from motorcycle

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A man accused of stealing a cell phone appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Friday in discomfort after he reportedly sustained a leg injury when he was allegedly hit by the police from a motorcycle.

The man, Oshane Beckford, pleaded his innocence and told the court that he was not guilty because the cell phone was not found in his possession.

He is charged with larceny from the person.

The court was, however, told that Beckford, who was a pillion on a motorcycle, snatched the device from the purse of a woman who was walking with her 14-month-old child.

According to the prosecution, the rider of the bike rode away with the phone.

Parish Judge Chester Crooks asked the accused if the phone was found in his possession after the bike was brought to a stop.

"Mi never get catch with no phone. The bike crash on McDonald Lane after the police dem lick we off the bike. The rider run away, but mi never run because me never have no phone. The bike fell on me and drop on my foot. Mi see the phone in the back of the van, then mi was here so and the bike was beside me."

A fingerprint order was made and he was remanded in custody.

Beckford is to return to court on September 29.

Parish Judge Crooks had a legal aid attorney assigned to Beckford and told the police that he is to receive medical attention while in custody.